zseverns
Well-known member
Any one ever put something like a keel guard on an aluminum boat. I got a brand new weldbilt 1652v and would like to protect the bottom when beaching or pulling up to the boat ramp. Or what else would work?
Ice runners are a factory option on SeaArk boats.shootandfish1 said:Yes, It did indeed 'suck', I tested the first strip, perfect, no leaks and very strongly welded. SeaArks keel is 3/16 structural aluminum, the hull sections are marine alloy 1/8 in thick. My welder,although vocational trained, had no experience with the marine alloy and this is where I had the leaks.
I had discussed the Hamby neoprene keel guard at length with their current Tech Rep (he also said he was the former owner of Hamby.
He told that their neoprene keel guard would not work on my SeaArk due to the keel is 'V' shaped and the 2 adjoining hull sections are welded at the top of the 'V'. the angle where the 'V' and hull meet is too much and the neoprene's memory would not allow the material to conform the the hulls shape.
I had also talked at length with a Line-x tech rep and the Sarasto, FL line-x owner.......This was going to be very $$$$$. And I'm could not get clear answers on how line-x would hold up on concrete ramps.
During my 'research' from industry and fellow boaters, I got all kind of strange responses. Either, 'I never heard of problems',or, 'I was being too abusive or expecting too much'. A few folks freely admitted to hull damage, sadly discovered too late.
i still believe my plan was good and sound, cost effective, but needed a welder experienced with marine alloy
lckstckn2smknbrls said:Ice runners are a factory option on SeaArk boats.shootandfish1 said:Yes, It did indeed 'suck', I tested the first strip, perfect, no leaks and very strongly welded. SeaArks keel is 3/16 structural aluminum, the hull sections are marine alloy 1/8 in thick. My welder,although vocational trained, had no experience with the marine alloy and this is where I had the leaks.
I had discussed the Hamby neoprene keel guard at length with their current Tech Rep (he also said he was the former owner of Hamby.
He told that their neoprene keel guard would not work on my SeaArk due to the keel is 'V' shaped and the 2 adjoining hull sections are welded at the top of the 'V'. the angle where the 'V' and hull meet is too much and the neoprene's memory would not allow the material to conform the the hulls shape.
I had also talked at length with a Line-x tech rep and the Sarasto, FL line-x owner.......This was going to be very $$$$$. And I'm could not get clear answers on how line-x would hold up on concrete ramps.
During my 'research' from industry and fellow boaters, I got all kind of strange responses. Either, 'I never heard of problems',or, 'I was being too abusive or expecting too much'. A few folks freely admitted to hull damage, sadly discovered too late.
i still believe my plan was good and sound, cost effective, but needed a welder experienced with marine alloy
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